How can I make a Mk4 Golf TDI less noisy (inside) - Any sound proofing suggestions?

[ship69]

Hi

I have a 2003 Golf 1.9 TDI (150HP, I think) UK model.

It has done 140,000 miles and still is still going strong with lots of acceleration and it gets about 500-550 miles on a tank (c.46-48MPG?).

My one complaint is that it is too darned noisy! I dont suppose that there is much that can be done about it but there is a certain amount of wind noise & tyre noise (esp on the motorways - depending on road surface)... but my MAIN complaint is just how noisy the engine is when under load!

So I would love to hear any suggestions as to what can be done to quieten the darned thing (for inside the car).

My preliminary thoughts so far:

1. Put extra/different/more rubber padding under the bonnet

2. Put layer of heavy rubberised felt over the carpet everywhere possible

3. Paint a layer of thick rubber solution

a) behind the engine

b) under the car

4. Change the exhaust pipe (but to what?)

5. Clamp some sort of vibration absorbers onto the engine mounts to lessen the vibrations getting into the chassis

6. Put the lid thing back into the boot area (if I can find one!)

7. Use some Mk 6 Golf parts (??)

I understand the the NEW Golfs (i.e. Mark6) are VERY much quieter. I just wonder how VW have achieved this - anyone know? Are there any Mk6 parts that one could use?

So OTHER than replace the engine - which would cost way too much money - (e.g. with a petrol engine!)...

Any other thoughts?

John

John Smith

[cruiser647]

Hi John!

Welcome to TSN....

Unfortunately, the old VW PD units are inherently noisy. Very tractor like. Very distinctive noise too - I can tell them coming from quite a way off. I'd check all your sound proofing anyway - check you have the under-engine tray, the bonnet felt and engine cover. Having an aftermarket filter will make an extra noise difference too.

Tyre wise, on my old Bora PD, I noticed that Conti's Sports with low tread make for more road noise.

Exhaust wise, not sure what you can do.

Engine vibrations - make sure the engine and gearbox mounts are OK.

Other bods might be along to advise too!